macOS uses keychains to help you keep track of and protect the passwords, account numbers, and other confidential information you use every day on your Mac computers and iOS and iPadOS devices.
You can use the Keychain Access app on your Mac to view and manage your keychains. When you use iCloud Keychain, you can keep your passwords and other secure information updated across your devices.
What is a keychain?
A keychain is an encrypted container that securely stores your account names and passwords for your Mac, apps, servers, and websites, and confidential information, such as credit card numbers or bank account PIN numbers.
When you access a website, email account, network server, or other password-protected item, you can choose to save the password in your keychain so you don’t have to remember or enter the password each time.
Keychain Access
You use the Keychain Access app on your Mac to view and manage your login and other keychains, and also the items securely stored in the keychains—for example, keys, certificates, passwords, account information, and notes. If you forget a password, you can find it in Keychain Access. Click here to learn more about Keychain Access.
iCloud Keychain
If you use iCloud, you can have iCloud Keychain securely store the website login information and credit card information you use with AutoFill in Safari, and your Wi-Fi network information. iCloud Keychain automatically keeps that information up to date across all your Mac computers and iOS and iPadOS devices. iCloud Keychain also stores login information for the accounts you use in Mail, Contacts, Calendar, and Messages so it’s available on all your devices. Learn more about iCloud Keychain.
When you use passwords and credit cards online, you can let Safari store them in your keychain and automatically fill them in for you. If you also use iCloud Keychain on your Mac and iOS and iPadOS devices, Safari can fill in the stored information on any of your devices. See AutoFill credit card info in Safari.
If you need to update your keychain password on Mac
It’s recommended that you manually reset your keychain only when advised to by Apple Support. Resetting default keychains requires you to log out and log back in to your Mac to complete the process.
- In the Keychain Access app on your Mac, choose Keychain Access > Settings.
- Click Reset Default Keychains.
- Choose Apple menu > Log Out. When you log in again, save your current login password in a keychain.